How Long Do I Have To Report A Dog Bite in Pennsylvania?

Dog bites can be very serious and even deadly. In fact, there are thousands of dog bites reported each year. Most dog bites occur in residential areas and in the summertime when children play outside. 

Pennsylvania has a “strict liability” dog bite law, meaning that when a person becomes injured as a result of being bitten by a dog, the owner of said dog may be held legally responsible. This applies regardless of negligence on the part of either party and holds even if the owner had no knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or propensity for attacking people prior to the incident at hand.

The dog bite lawyers at Justice Guardians have experience fighting the dog owner, insurance company, or homeowner that may be held liable for their client's injuries. Clients can call to get all their questions answered regarding their dog bite settlement.

Local medical centers that treat dog bite injuries:

• Allentown Medical Center
• Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest
• St. Luke's Hospital - Allentown Campus
• Fairmont Medical Center

Who Should I Report My Dog Bite To?

If you are a victim of a dog bite in Pennsylvania, it is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure that the owner of the dog will be held accountable for their animal’s actions. Dog bites carry the serious potential for injury and illness, so reporting your incident is one of the best ways to avoid similar situations in the future.

Who to call to report a dog bite:

1. your local law enforcement agency
2. your local county health department
3. contact an attorney who is experienced in dealing with dog bite cases

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for a Dog Bite in PA?

According to the laws in Pennsylvania, if you have been bitten by a dog and are considering filing a lawsuit against the owner, you need to file within two years of the dog attack. Statutes of limitation can be different from state to state or depending on the type of claim being filed, so it's important to make sure that you familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania’s specific laws for a dog bite claim.

The law requires individuals who have been injured due to a dog bite or attack to take certain steps in order to have their legal rights protected. Depending on your circumstances, there may be additional time periods as established in the statutes, that need to be observed before filing a lawsuit for damages. Contacting an experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive all of the necessary information about your particular case and any applicable deadlines related thereto.

Who Can Be Legally Liable for Your Dog Bite Injuries and Losses?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that every year, 4.5 million individuals are attacked by dogs. More than half of these victims are children or senior citizens. Other unprovoked attacks result in the injury of delivery drivers, delivery people, mail carriers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. If you have suffered serious injuries from a dog bite in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering who, if any, is legally liable. Our dog bite law firm can help you identify all parties liable. Liability varies in each situation and usually includes the failure of someone to make sure the dog is kept leashed at all times off their property.

Here are some of the parties who can be held liable:

• The Dog Owner - In Pennsylvania, dog owners are considered “strictly liable” for any injury their pet causes another person.
• A Property Owner - Depending on where the attack occurred and how much control the property owner had over guarding against attacks, they may also be held liable for any damages caused by a bite.
• A Pet Sitter/Walker - If you were given a task like watching someone else’s pet while they were away and it later bit someone, you may also be held legally responsible depending on how much incoming risk you accepted when taking such jobs.
• Other People Who Have Control Over Your Pet - Lastly, anyone else given responsibility over your pet, whether temporary or continued, may also become liable for their actions depending on their level of care when handling your animal.

What Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Do For You?

• First and foremost, a dog attack attorney can make sure that the dog owner is held responsible. Depending on the severity of the attack and the owner’s negligence, they may be able to seek compensation from them or their insurance companies. In addition, if the attack resulted in any permanent injury – such as scarring or nerve damage – your lawyer may also be able to help you seek punitive damages. However, pain and suffering may not be recovered in court.
• Your lawyer will also work to recover all medical bills associated with your injury. This can include costs and expenses for treatment from stitches to plastic surgery, in the event the bite was on the victim's face.
• Dog bite attorneys will gather evidence from witnesses, obtain medical records, review police statements, and much more – helping to build an unbeatable dog bite case for the defendant.
• The attorney will then negotiate the best settlement for the victim, helping them get the maximum recovery.

Get Help With Your Pennsylvania Dog-Bite Case, Call Today for a Free Case Evaluation

Dog bites can be very serious and even deadly. In fact, State Farm reported that Pennsylvania was ranked 5th in the country for dog bite claims. While most dog bites do not cause life-threatening injuries, they can cause minor to severe wounds, such as lacerations and broken bones, which may lead to infections and other complications. Many victims of such accidents may need surgeries or other expensive medical treatments. In addition, victims who are bitten by a dog may suffer from disfigurement, emotional trauma, or psychological damage. A dog attack victim can learn more about compensation to cover these and other damages by employing the services of a litigation attorney near them.

If you or a loved one was injured in a dog bite, call to speak with a dog bite attorney at Justice Guardians. They can help dog bite victims with their claims. Our legal team has helped many victims of dog attacks, and we are committed to helping you get the best result, too. Contact us today for a free consultation.